The “Expert” Panel 2017 – Reviewing Estonia

The ESC United “Expert” Panel is back. The Editorial team got to enjoy all 43 entries of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, review and rank them accordingly. Needless to say, this is all subjective and you may totally disagree with us. There is a reason we put quotation marks down. Which is why we included a poll and in the end we’ll compare the reader’s results to our results. So check out our comments first and the scroll down to vote in the poll. Let’s get rollin’!

Estonia: Koit Toome & Laura – Verona

Matt – 10 Points
Modern Talking 2017, just way better. This is what Eurovision needs, at least if it’s up to me. It has a retro vibe taking you back to the 80s without feeling outdated. Koit’s voice is just too good to be true. Did I say I hate Aaaahhhaaaahhhh kinda songs? Well, I was totally wrong, this is how you do it right. Am I claiming it’s the most sophisticated song there ever was? Heck no! But it’s not trying to be.

Robert – 10 Points
Dodgy Shakespeare references? Check. Beautiful duet? Check. Epic choruses? Check. Basically Estonia has given me an almost perfect Eurovision entry! Their voices intertwine so wonderfully throughout the song pulling us along and drawing us in. The beat is strong, but not overpowering and the lyrics, whilst somewhat questionable at times, are good fun and interesting as well. It’s one of those songs you can listen to over and over again without really getting bored of it. It may lack a totally standout moment, but that’s only because the whole song is just so damn good. They work well together and interact nicely and hopefully that will shine through in Kiev as it’s a key part of the song’s message. Fabulous song; possible my favourite Estonian entry ever!

Zack – 10 PointsThe right touch of retro and modern. The first notes are reminiscent of a spaghetti western soundtrack, and then moves confidently forward into a great 80s synth beat. The lyrics continue the story that was first introduced by Stig and Elina, as Koit and Laura discuss the trials and tribulations of their love affair. The Romeo and Juliet metaphor is overdone, but this song is able to rise above it and offer a fresh perspective.

Calvin – 10 Points
To call the strong, professional performances of Koit & Laura the “highlight” of the song would be accurate but would shortchange everything else right with the song: the synth line is very charming and nostalgic, the pre-chorus is epic and captivating, and the lyrics, Romeo & Juliet misreading and all, tell the story very well. The second bridge, in which Laura opts for a higher melody on “building and burning down love,” is a true “wow” moment in the song, especially live. Estonia’s best effort in a long while, possibly ever.

Nenad – 10 Points
Flying from ‘Verona’ to Kiev – what a journey Estonian delegation brings to Eurovision! Right now, even Eurovision veterans bring us a decent song that speaks about love. The thing I love about this song is Laura’s deeply haunting voice and their energy on stage. This song has a strong potential for a breathtaking performace and could be the winner of Eurovision, why not?

Stefan – 10 Points
Two artists that I’ve been hoping to see on Eurovision stage and my wish came true. Laura and Koit are just perfect together and the song is amazing. Keep the performance simple and hopefully we’ll see Estonia back in the finals.

Romeo – 10 Points
Gotta love a returning artist, but with Estonia, you get two for one. This song is really good. I haven’t been a real fan of an Estonian entry for a long time so this is a breath of fresh air. I have no idea but I am getting a similar vibe from this song that I got when listening to Loreen’s album ‘heal’ a sort of midnight chill out. This will sail to the final like two sailing boats in the sea! The more I listen the more I love it

David – 8 Points
A very charming duet, it’s like black and white that finds each other and mix together, to say it with colors. I don’t feel like I can explain it, but I just like the song. Considering the lyrics as well, then I think it’s perfect for Koit & Laura. The song is as simple, as it can be, and there is no need to add all kinds of things into the song, just to make it more modern or fitting. I mean, it’s not something I would celebrate over, whenever I listen to it, but listen to it now and then, is just fine as it is.

Gerry – 8 Points
They were lost, but now they’re found: after their worst ever placement last year, Estonia’s looking to make a comeback in Kyiv with “Verona,” and it looks like they might just get the redemption they deserve. Koit and Laura are an incredibly effective duet; their voices complement each other’s really well. The performance can be incredibly cheesy at times, with the strange camera cuts and dramatic facial expressions, but it works well with this song: mysterious, emotional, and so wonderfully retro.

Ferdi – 6 PointsI loved this when this won the national selection, but since then it has only grown off of me. It was a great energetic pop song at first but sadly it lost its appeal to me and turned into a rather bland entry for me

Sean – 5 Points
I went to Eesti Laul this year as a spectator and the whole event was incredible, especially being my first national selection. Unfortunately the worst possible choice won. Not to say that it isn’t somewhat catchy, but the whole thing seems disingenuous and there’s zero actual chemistry between Koit and Laura. Estonia had a real chance to show what they’re made of this year but missed the mark by some way. Hopefully they can bring the goods next year!

Final Score: 97

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This is the current ranking of the Panel, you can see all Reviews by clicking HERE.